Apx 8000 clam shell Battery pack?

[K5KDF]

Im Fixing to deploy to some fires. I have four Impress 2 rechargeable lithium ion 5100mah Batteries. I never really run out a juice in the field.
But you never know there could be that “one time” I do run out.
So my question is has anyone ever used a Clam shell battery pack?
Clam shell battery pack
12 AA is a lot to carry in the field

 

[GTR8000]

If you have easy access to fresh AA batteries, then the clamshell is not a bad idea. If you have to carry around over half a pound of AA batteries, then not quite as practical or convenient.

Frankly, if you want an emergency backup battery until you can get to a charger, you're probably better off with a PMNN4485A 2550 mAh slim battery. A heck of a lot lighter than lugging around 12 AA batteries, and gives you nearly the same runtime as the clamshell filled with half a pound of alkaline batteries. Cost is a little higher, but if that's not a huge factor you could carry two of those slim batteries in the same physical space as the clamshell, and wind up with ~5000 mAh worth of lightweight backup power. Yes, at that point you're basically carrying a third 5100 mAh battery, but have a little bit of redundancy by not putting all of your eggs in one basket. You could carry two slim batteries in different locations (one in pack, one in pocket) in case one gets lost/damaged.

 

[Thunderknight]

The nice thing about the AA pack is you get AA batteries almost anywhere. Convenience store, Walmart, tourist traps.
But...that being said, carrying a travel charger might be sufficient.

 

[Onelick]

If you are "deploying" as a NIFC resource to a Federal fire, that radio is not authorized to be used on a NIFC system. You are better off leaving it at home and signing out a NIFC radio from the COMM unit. Here is a PDF of the approved radios for use on NIFC systems.

https://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/approved_radios.pdf

Onelick
NIFC COMT

 

[jeepsandradios]

I have the AA battery pack. Picked it up for SAR. Used once. I'll never use it again. While the concept is great, its huge. Its taller than my 7000. I just added a second battery to my go bag for my 8000. I still carry the AA pack in my truck but it would have to be pretty bad to use it. If it were multiple days with no way to charge any other battery i can see its use.

 

[jruta]

If you are "deploying" as a NIFC resource to a Federal fire, that radio is not authorized to be used on a NIFC system. You are better off leaving it at home and signing out a NIFC radio from the COMM unit. Here is a PDF of the approved radios for use on NIFC systems.

https://www.nifc.gov/NIICD/docs/approved_radios.pdf

Onelick
NIFC COMT

Out of curiosity (I admittedly know nothing about fire service) what makes the APX not compatible? Does it not meet those requirements? Thanks

 

[n3obl]

Out of curiosity (I admittedly know nothing about fire service) what makes the APX not compatible? Does it not meet those requirements? Thanks

Basically the NIFC specifies what radios they allow. You have to use what they tell you.

 

[Onelick]

This is just speculation on my part, (I'm just a lowly COMT) Motorola radios are not very friendly out in the field. It's really hard to hand program them, write code plugs, and especially clone to and from. Depending on the BK model I can clone radio to radio in less than a minute for the fastest, and 2-3 minutes for the slowest KNG2s that have alot of frequencies in it's memory. Imagine the mess a COMT would need to adapt to all the different brands and models just in the Motorola family, let alone, Harris, Kenwood, BK, etc. That doesn't even take into account all the different programming software.
Hope this helps,
Onelick

 

[jruta]

Makes sense. Thanks all

 

[ResQguy]

This is just speculation on my part, (I'm just a lowly COMT) Motorola radios are not very friendly out in the field. It's really hard to hand program them, write code plugs, and especially clone to and from. Depending on the BK model I can clone radio to radio in less than a minute for the fastest, and 2-3 minutes for the slowest KNG2s that have alot of frequencies in it's memory. Imagine the mess a COMT would need to adapt to all the different brands and models just in the Motorola family, let alone, Harris, Kenwood, BK, etc. That doesn't even take into account all the different programming software.
Hope this helps,
Onelick

Basically, if it isn't included in the 004320 COML KIT , don't show up with it or you're going to the back of the line.